Cops writing BS tickets

[Bradwyatt]

Hey guys I just wanted to drop a little story for ya (name and dept. to follow after my court case), thought you might be amused...and hey maybe you guys will have the pleasure of running across this clown, maybe one day he'll need my/our help.

My girlfriend recently moved home from college and to a remote location out in the sticks. I was coming back to my house on late night with her, and I recieved a total BS ticket. I was stopped at a stop sign in on a country road for about 30 seconds while we were talking about something. I looked up in my mirror and saw a car coming, so I said "uh oh a car I better go". I turned right and took off from the stop sign. About 10 seconds after turning right a scout car flys up behind me with his lights on. I pull over, wondering what the hell is going on. He stops behind me and promptly greets me at my window like the fine gentleman he is. "Good evening and welcome to *@#$! Township, you obviously know why I pulled you over", he says. "No I don't I had just turned here and you immediatley stopped me, so I'm not sure", I said. He goes on to let me know I "ran" the stop sign and to give him my lic, reg, and insurance info. Before approaching my window he paused and shined his light on my IAFF sticker, I also showed him my badge as well upon getting my lic. out of my wallet. He looks at my FD credentials and said "that's nice, I don't need that". Long story shortened: He writes me a ticket for running a stop sign I was stopped at for about 30 seconds. My soon to be father in-law who's a retired LEO calls him and notifies him I was helping him move, and was truly innocent; this is just a mistake. This kid (not much older than me) informs him that he's been on the job for 1.5 years and "he's the officer and has his last word). He also noted that the main reason he decided to write me was because I am a FF/medic...

I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help. Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.

[Chauffer6]

So let me get this straight...you catch one tiny bad break and now you want to come on a firefighting Internet board to cry about it? Worse yet, you're willing to publicly and recklessly disclose a LEO's name and dept because he wrote you an insignificant little summons?

As far as you flashing him your badge and having your girlfriend's father actually call him to plead your case, I don't blame him for sticking to his guns. Take it like a man.

Here is some free advice for you: Grow up, and develop some callouses on that paper thin skin of yours.

[Bradwyatt]

Yes, as a matter of fact...I am. The AUDACITY of that guy to pull a BS move like that on top of the BS ticket to someone else in public safety, is in my eyes pathetic. Telling a retired officer of 29 yrs that you wrote his soon to be son in-law a ticket, JUST BECAUSE he is a firefighter (not to mention being a disrespectful punk and letting him know "I'm the officer here"). Writing tickets based upon personal motives, or just because he doesn't get along with the guys in his FD maybe? I don't know about everyone else but I show respect to my superiors at work, and those superior to me that I don't even work with; but not to this clown. Am I maybe a bit immature, yep...am I a total hot head, maybe.

[allkesl]

It is apparrent that the young man thinks his badge is a free pass. All the badge gets is an awesome job and free coffee. Grow up, meet the officer in court, plead your case to the judge and have a nice day.

Really, dude you had your girlfriends dad call...

Al

[redneckemt]

I was stopped at a stop sign in on a country road for about 30 seconds while we were talking about something. I looked up in my mirror and saw a car coming, so I said "uh oh a car I better go". I turned right and took off from the stop sign.

I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help. Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.

Did you use your turn signal? Did you speed when you took off? And what were you doing that caused you to take off?

Sounds to me like a COC charge or Contempt of Cop Charge. You opened your mouth got on the Officers nerves. And he wrote you a ticket. Grow up. Stop Crying about it. And saying you hope he never needs your help? You're a fire fighter you help people it don't matter who they are. Just because he might have been unprofessional doesn't mean that you have to be.

And what is the point of offering to give out his name?

[ducken]

UMMMM.....What would you like for us to do for you? Get you a tissue??? Get over it, and like some others said meet the office in court. And yes he was the officer so it was his call, not for your soon to be Father-inlaws. If the Judge finds in your favor, good for you, if not pay the fine and move on with your life.

[FWDbuff]

Where I come from, Cops dont write up firemen (unless they did something really bad.....) PERIOD. It is considered VERBOTEN. That being said,

1. Did you act calmly when he approached your car, placing your hands on the wheel in plain sight, with your windows rolled down, and remained still? Or did you move around, grab your wallet before he got to you, open the glove box, move your hands constantly, etc??? Were you talking to your girl?

2. Did you just SHOW him your badge, or did you ask permission, as in "Officer, if it helps this situation, MAY I show you my badge and I.D.?"

3. Did you act polite at all times, not back-talking him at all or questioning his judgement or reasoning?

4. Gotta agree with everyone else. Having her dad call was one of the dumbass moves of all time- I may even go so far as to think you may deserve the ticket after that stunt.

Do one of two things- either suck up and pay it and move on, or request a court case and:
A. If you face possible points on your license, see if he will let you plead to something lesser, without points -OR-
B. If he refuses to plead down, go for broke- File a motion for a continuance, then file a motion for a discovery to find out when his last medical exam was- questioning his eyesight. File a motion for discovery of his work schedule- find out how long he was on shift that day, that week, etc. Was he tired? Did he not see you stopped there? You dont need to be an attorney to file these motions.

Sounds to me like you were flaunting the fact that you are a firefighter, as in "I'm a firefighter, you cant write me up!"

Oh, and one more thing, revealing his name in a public forum like this could very well lead you into a bag of snakes that you dont want to be in.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

I didn't see where he posted the officer's name.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

You are new here, so let me start off by stating that I am a recently retired LEO. There are two things you MUST do.

1. Go immediately to the PD and file a complaint with IA. This officer should not be on the street. Oh yeah. Bring all the evidence and proof that you have that this guy targeted you for being a FF.

2. If you did not run that stop sign, plead not guilty. Go to court. You are, as of right now, innocent. The state must prove that you are guilty. Make the officer present all the evidence he has and force him to prove you were guilt yof running the stop sign. I have faith in the justice system. If you are not guilty, that is what the judge will fnd you.

BTW, for you folks that think I have lost my mind, stay tuned. He will not do either one of the above things. The whole story wreaks of self-serving lies.

[RES81CUE]

In my opinion if you flashed your badge you were asking to get a ticket. Him stopping to look at your sticker is one thing. But never flash the badge. And I second the comment that LEO around here usually do not mess with firefighters unless they really do something stupid like flashing there badge. LOL.

[redneckemt]

And also I believe in some States it is a misdemenor to use influence i.e. money, family, friends, or positions to get out of a ticket. Yeah it happens all the time but it is still a crime.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

In my opinion if you flashed your badge you were asking to get a ticket. Him stopping to look at your sticker is one thing. But never flash the badge. And I second the comment that LEO around here usually do not mess with firefighters unless they really do something stupid like flashing there badge. LOL.


All in favor say "I".


IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Sounds like two young men that dont have a clue. Hell throw Dad in there too.... He should have known better.

[Steamer]

In almost 34 years as a firefighter, I've never, ever shown my badge in a traffic stop. While I certainly wouldn't turn down an officer's decision to issue me a warning, I certainly don't expect a pass because of my badge. An expectation of special treatmentr because of your position as a firefighter is simply unethical.

I've got a couple of thoughts about this statement: I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help.
I could give a **** less if a cop gives me a ticket. If he ever needs me, he gets my best effort. Your insinuation that you would do otherwise would make me seriously question your reasons for doing this job, not to mention your professionalism.

Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.
That's just simply irresponsible.

Unethical, unprofessional, and irresponsible seem to pretty well describe the whole situation....and I don't mean the cop.

[Dalmatian190]

And I second the comment that LEO around here usually do not mess with firefighters unless they really do something stupid like flashing there badge. LOL.

All you need is some respect. "Flashing the badge" is downright tacky.

I did get asked to show a FD ID once on a traffic stop in Mass since I had a blue light (which is law enforcement in MA).

Funny thing is, I've been pulled over 4 times in MA over the last 14 years or so and never got a bit of flack from the Police officer over my blue lights (except for the one who asked if I had credentials, which I did). 3 warnings, and 1 ticket I did manage to beat (the only citation I've ever challenged -- ironically for running a stop sign...kept my mouth shut during the stop, took photos of his obstructed view the next day).

A little respect -- including lack of arrogance -- will get you a long way. Used to hear the "war stories" of other FFs getting tickets, etc for their blue lights. Funny thing is, most of the guys I knew firsthand who got tickets over their blue lights where the badge flashing kind of people.

[hwoods]

You are new here, so let me start off by stating that I am a recently retired LEO. There are two things you MUST do.

1. Go immediately to the PD and file a complaint with IA. This officer should not be on the street. Oh yeah. Bring all the evidence and proof that you have that this guy targeted you for being a FF.

2. If you did not run that stop sign, plead not guilty. Go to court. You are, as of right now, innocent. The state must prove that you are guilty. Make the officer present all the evidence he has and force him to prove you were guilt yof running the stop sign. I have faith in the justice system. If you are not guilty, that is what the judge will fnd you.

BTW, for you folks that think I have lost my mind, stay tuned. He will not do either one of the above things. The whole story wreaks of self-serving lies.

No George, you haven't lost it, you're right on target.

[cellblock]

All the badge gets is an awesome job and free coffee. Aaawww Man, I got jipped on both counts. The job sucked and I never got free coffee. :(
Too late now.

[imtherookie]

Well i guess i get to see both sides of this story, I'm a FF, and a LEO.

If your a cop and you flash your badge in a disrespectful way you probably will get a ticket from a cop,so it doesnt matter if you a FF or LEO. Theirs correct ways to do things. I have got stopped numerous times as a LEO and a FF and NEVER showed my badge to the cop until he asked for it, since i told him they was a loaded weapon in the vehicle and he began to question why. I've written FF tickets before for being disrespectful and just not taking a flat out waring on Careless Driving to a fire call almost causing accidents and injury, and having some devices on vehicles forbibben by law in louisiana.

As being a LEO, i dont think the cop wrote you a ticket because you were a FF but maybe because you made to known that you were a FF a little to much. If you saw him stop and look at that sticker what else does he need to know hes not stupid he'll know what the sticker is. Go to court, pled your case if you have a good one the system will go in your favor. As you your Pops calling him i would have done the same thing telling you pops i'm the officer who issued the citation and i felt it was nessessary in the case, and if he needed any further information to contact my supervior. I dont think this is a war that needs to be started, i dont know where you live but here cops help FFs just as much as FFs help cops we are brothers and sometimes a cops job may make them look "hot headed and a *******" but its their job just like its your job to save his ass if he needs it based on no bias.


Cant we all just get along?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Another thing to consider...

More and more patrol cars are being equipped with dash mounted video camera. If you make a Broadway production out of flashing that badge and it is captured on video, you remove the discretion the officer has. You make it appear as if he is showing favoritism-something he doesn't want on video. Bank on getting a ticket.

[MalahatTwo7]

I know this wont help any, but back in November, coming home from a visit to my sister in Tennessee, I got "hit" with a $200.00 fine for speeding down the 81 near Roanoak. The very nice (and I do mean that sincerely) trooper got both my US State Department licence and my US State department ID (which we locally refer to as our "Get Out of Jail Free" card).

The entire conversation was very cordial, as it should have been, however he became a bit startled when my dog kinda poked his nose over my left shoulder :eek: That was a "Kodak Moment" LOL.

Short story is: My State Dept ID and licence did not help - nor did I expect it to. Just as I knew that my Canadian Forces ID or FD ID would not have helped. Still got the ticket and fine, AND got to see the Troopers face when Niki stuck his head out the window (ehehheheeee ) that was my "revenge" for getting caught speeding down a Safety Corridor!

[Ltmdepas3280]

Take your lumps....its only a piece of paper with some writting on it.....its not the end of the world

[EFD840]

Another thing to consider...

More and more patrol cars are being equipped with dash mounted video camera. If you make a Broadway production out of flashing that badge and it is captured on video, you remove the discretion the officer has. You make it appear as if he is showing favoritism-something he doesn't want on video. Bank on getting a ticket.

Cameras, particularly those with body mics, are wonderful. For every bad cop they expose, they catch hundreds more citizens lying. Almost without fail, when someone calls me to complain about one of our officers they drop it completely, don't follow up, or add detail they initially 'forgot' when I tell them our units are equipped with cameras and our officers wear a microphone. They also get mad 'cause they know they've been caught in a little ole fib. :D

George is right, this doesn't quite pass the smell test but on the slight chance it is an accurate rendition then don't moan about it on a forum - simply go to court and fight the ticket.

[Bones42]

If I were a cop and a FF showed me his badge, first question out of my mouth would be "Shouldn't YOU know better as a proffessional?" Second question would be "License, insurance, registration please."

[DennisTheMenace]

Where I come from, Cops dont write up firemen (unless they did something really bad.....) PERIOD. It is considered VERBOTEN.
Ditto, cops around here have told me to make sure they can see my credentials, but don't "flash" them. Leave the badge on your knee so they can see it when they look in, but they don't want that crap showing up on their camara. If they know you are a fellow LEO or Firefighter, you have to be a real dick to get written up. My frustration has been obvious to a few, but i was not a jerk, and got off with a verbal warning multiple times. Got pulled over by a Trooped coming back from the beach last year, pulled the ID out so it could be seen on the center console when he got up to the car, but the wife thinks I am trying to just get out out of the way of my licance and tried putting it away herself. :confused: When I gave her the "What the Hell do you think you are doing look" I think the trooper thought he might have a domestic distrubance on his hands too. ;) He figured it out, ran my info for warrents, came back to the car, gave me my papers back and wished us a safe trip home and said I could tail him all the way to the state line. Don't be a dick, and you will get professional courtesy.

[nyckftbl]

You are new here, so let me start off by stating that I am a recently retired LEO. There are two things you MUST do.

1. Go immediately to the PD and file a complaint with IA. This officer should not be on the street. Oh yeah. Bring all the evidence and proof that you have that this guy targeted you for being a FF.

2. If you did not run that stop sign, plead not guilty. Go to court. You are, as of right now, innocent. The state must prove that you are guilty. Make the officer present all the evidence he has and force him to prove you were guilt yof running the stop sign. I have faith in the justice system. If you are not guilty, that is what the judge will fnd you.

BTW, for you folks that think I have lost my mind, stay tuned. He will not do either one of the above things. The whole story wreaks of self-serving lies.

George, we all thought you lost your mind, but not because of this dimwit... :D

[MalahatTwo7]

You NYC guys probably know more about this story. The thread title just screamed at me to post it .... :D

Police: Meter Maid Sits In Handicapped Spot, Writing Fake Tickets

POSTED: 12:35 pm EDT May 24, 2006

NEW YORK -- A city traffic agent has been charged with writing dozens of fraudulent parking tickets -- sometimes while sitting in her car miles away from the bogus violations she cited.

Queens prosecutors said Nivea Cloud is accused of writing 27 tickets in three hours in seven locations on May 12. They said she invented infractions just one to four minutes apart in the same place.

Cloud was seen sitting in her police car -- parked in a handicapped spot -- more than a mile away from where the vehicles cited on her tickets supposedly were illegally parked.

Cloud was arraigned Tuesday on charges including official misconduct and falsifying business records. She could face up to four years in prison if convicted.


Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press.

[nmfire]

The metermaids here will walk up to a utility truck on the side of the road with cones out, lights flashing, boom up in the air with a guy in the bucket, and put a parking ticket on it.

[CaptainGonzo]

I have been pulled over twice in the last 5 years. Both times I was "pushing the speed limit" a little....

I have never once flashed a badge. If asked if I knew how fast I was going.. I will admit it. Honesty is the best policy.

I do have the IAFF insignia on my vehicles, but have never pointed it out. The officers made note of it, and both of them asked if I had a fire department ID, which I produced upon request.

The last time, which was 2 years ago, it was on I-495 and I made note of the trooper's last name. I asked him if he was per chance any relation to a retired Peabody FD deputy chief, who I had as an instructor at the Fire Academy. It turned out to be his uncle, and I asked how he was doing. My license, registration and FD ID was handed back to me with a friendly reminder to slow down.

Treat the officer with courtesy and respect, you just might get it back with a smile and some friendly advice.

Act like an arrogant ass, expect the ticket.

I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help. Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.

Do us all a favor.. either grow the frack up, or turn in your badge and resign now, for your curt remark and attitude is totally unprofessional.

[gunnyv]

After being a FF for 14 years, I was almost a little disappointed I hadn't had a chance to find out about this "professional courtesy" thing. Then I got pulled over twice in a week, once on the way to my son's hockey and once on base going to drill. Got away with a warning both times. Thanks guys.

On the other hand, my wife got pulled over in a community that borders where I work for 10mph over-or so she says :rolleyes: The officer made a point of asking what dept I was on after seeing the IAFF sticker. He then said "Too bad" and and wrote the ticket. I guess he was jealous. :p

[RyanEMVFD]

Excuse me, but I believe we're all over here discussing this type of topic.

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=81777

[hwoods]

Excuse me, but I believe we're all over here discussing this type of topic.

http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?t=81777

Thank you very much, but we're staying right here. :D :D :D

[RyanEMVFD]

Thank you very much, but we're staying right here. :D :D :D

Perhaps we should just add his story over there then? :)

[SgtScott31]

I assume from the lack of response to these posts he has learned about his comments regarding LEO's. When I first read his post I was ready to hit the roof (as a LEO and a FF/EMT-IV), but I think you guys have done fine putting him in his place. ;)

[SSTONER]

Hey guys I just wanted to drop a little story for ya (name and dept. to follow after my court case), thought you might be amused...and hey maybe you guys will have the pleasure of running across this clown, maybe one day he'll need my/our help.

My girlfriend recently moved home from college and to a remote location out in the sticks. I was coming back to my house on late night with her, and I recieved a total BS ticket. I was stopped at a stop sign in on a country road for about 30 seconds while we were talking about something. I looked up in my mirror and saw a car coming, so I said "uh oh a car I better go". I turned right and took off from the stop sign. About 10 seconds after turning right a scout car flys up behind me with his lights on. I pull over, wondering what the hell is going on. He stops behind me and promptly greets me at my window like the fine gentleman he is. "Good evening and welcome to *@#$! Township, you obviously know why I pulled you over", he says. "No I don't I had just turned here and you immediatley stopped me, so I'm not sure", I said. He goes on to let me know I "ran" the stop sign and to give him my lic, reg, and insurance info. Before approaching my window he paused and shined his light on my IAFF sticker, I also showed him my badge as well upon getting my lic. out of my wallet. He looks at my FD credentials and said "that's nice, I don't need that". Long story shortened: He writes me a ticket for running a stop sign I was stopped at for about 30 seconds. My soon to be father in-law who's a retired LEO calls him and notifies him I was helping him move, and was truly innocent; this is just a mistake. This kid (not much older than me) informs him that he's been on the job for 1.5 years and "he's the officer and has his last word). He also noted that the main reason he decided to write me was because I am a FF/medic...

I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help. Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.

Weird...this guy has 3 posts to his name and only one is legit.

Funny ow you never hear from this guys again. :eek:

[imtherookie]

Ya also as a LEO its good to see some guys dont see LEOs as total asses and have a professional attuide...Thanks to all mature professional FFs:)

[RES81CUE]

Ya also as a LEO its good to see some guys dont see LEOs as total asses and have a professional attuide...Thanks to all mature professional FFs:)


I think your post should have said this atleast it would have been better taken....

"Thanks to the professionism of the mature firefighters"

JMHO

[BryanLoader]

Only once in my career was I ever questioned regarding speeding by police. I answered a call at 0700 on a Sunday morning. Partway to the hall, I had to pass an elderly gentlemen who appeared to be out checking garage sale signs early. I definitely did speed going past him, probably 15 to 20 k over speed limit. Call was a working fire, we knocked it down and out without a lot of problems. That evening I received a call at home from the RCMP. The officer knew me, ( its a fairly small city ) and said the gentlemen had taken my license number and reported me. He said that the officer in charge of detachment telephoned the man back and explained that I was a volunterer fireman on way to call. nothing further ever ensued. Having worked closely beside police over the years, I find it difficult to believe that any police officer would give someone a ticket for being a FF. Methinks there is more to story which we will never hear

[Bradwyatt]

"Leave the badge on your knee so they can see it when they look in"



That's what I did, I didn't say "hey I'm a firefighter I deserve complete exemption from the law". Hey said the fact that I left my badge out like that was enough to let him know I was a FF, and that's why he said he wrote me; because I am a firefighter.

I'm furthermore pissed off because I was stopped, FOR 30 SECONDS talking to my fiance. There is no way I blew the stop sign, it's impossible that I even rolled it.

I get angry because I work with some people like this, we share the same station. I watch these clowns, the have REAL contests for who can write the most tickets...it's pathetic.

[Quadrider400]

What do Police and Firefighters have in common????????



They all want to be Firefighters.... LOL


Showing your badge is very poor tech.... deal with it in court... if they see your IAFF sticker that is up to them...

[mark440]

My wife gets upset when I get pulled over for violations (maybe 4 or 5 times since we met). I haven't received a citation since I was 16 when I failed to yield at a stop sign and another vehicle hit me.
Each time I've been stopped I've always pulled to the side, window down, radio off, if dark out the interior light comes on, vehicle in park, and both hands out window.
I've never disputed the speed I've been clocked at, since they are mostly likely more accurate than I am. I know I'm driving fast.
I've NEVER shown a badge, I don't carry a badge unless it's on my chest and I'm in uniform enroute to an event. Usually my badge is accompanied by a BRT.
My wife on the other hand was issued a citation for 10 over in a constuction zone recently. She was stopped for 16 over. :eek:

*Mark

[rescue84]

yes the I 81 safety corador in salem/ roanoke area has become very strict. other than that area the troopers are prettty decent and only light you up for 70+. If you drive agreesively or get called in , ooooooooopsy!
That section is very heavy with crashes and fatalities, so I can't blame them.
If you try to rub in you're ff or cop, must cops say they think your being a smart @#$ and you are getting a ticket
1 trying to get a freeby, and probbably have done ths before.
2 you should know better to be safe.

[Dickey]

As a Sheriff Deputy, if someone blatenly showed me their badge like that, yes, you would get a ticket from me each and every time you did that. There is no bigger way to pi$$ off a cop than to do that.

Sounds like two young men with very large egos. If you feel you did nothing wrong, then shut your mouth and show up in court and plead not guilty and then tell your story to the judge. Like George said....make him show up and plead his side of the case. That is why you are given a court date.

For somoene to tell you to leave your badge on your knee is very mistaken. You already are advertising your a firefighter by your sticker on your window. By showing your badge, your telling the officer to let you go because your a fireman. Cops and fireman are supposed to be professional and "know better" to do something stupid.

When I work for the Sheriff's Dept, I would tend write a warning for firefighters unless they did something stupid like flashing a badge. Whackers like you give the rest of us a bad name. :mad:

[lexfd5]

I am baffled at the reason that it is expected that since we are firefighters that all LEOs should allow us to violate the law. Are we going to become no better than Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga. (striking a LEO and not getting charged) and Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI (driving while ability impaired due to meds and not charged)?

You allegedly (in the eyes of the LEO that stopped you) violated the law of the Authority Having Jurisdiction where you were charged. Unless there is a provision allowing "Professional Courtsey?" What makes us different from any other citizen in this country? "Well we are firefighters and we help people and we deserve, blah, blah, blah..." Shouldn't that line of thought also allow, doctors, nurses, medical researchers, dentists, eye doctors, security guards, day-care workers, teachers, baby-sitters, sanitation engineers, and so on a free pass?

That LEO took an oath to enforce the law and by asking for "Professional Courtsey" you are asking him to commit perjury and violate his oath of office.

As for the dimwit bringing up the meter maid...I suggest you look at some past headlines on this web site of firefighters committing arson.

And for the ID and badge flashers out there. With a little time using photoshop making and ID badge and official letterhead I can make you a member of the FDNY. I can get you more wacker toys to make your car scream I AM A FIREFIGHTER since I live near WACKERLAND...Galls.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

This is not simply a FF issue. I think the other LEO's would agree with two things:
1. LEO's have a wide discretion as to whether to paper somebody or not
2. Most LEO's would rather not write a summons to a person with a good driving record and a good attitude.

That said, it makes sense for everyone to treat the officer with the respect you are demanding from her/him.

[mcfd45]

since you screwed yourself already by being a dink to the officer you can only worry bout next time. and believe me with this cop if you sneeze the wrong way he'll be on you for it. next time don't show your badge or department id and just act cool about the whole thing. the next day you see him see if he will work with you on either bumping it down or not showing up to the court. whatever you do you don't send your girlfriend's dad to talk to him, come on pal that is the most immature thing you could've done in this situation.

by the way a couple of weeks ago i got out of a ticket and i'm pretty sure it is because i was wearing my fire department t shirt. i'm driving along and i'm doing around 60 in a 55. ( in MI they don't even look at you unless your doing 7 over) so i slow down because i see something in the road and i speed up after i get past. i see him drive by me in the other lane and go to turn around, "****"i say to my freinds so he pulls me over and he shoots his light into my eye then to my shirt. "have a nice day" he says. my friends all smack me and are ticked becuase they are jealous i guess. i didn't say anything or flash a badge.

[ShuswapFireF]

We do not carry badges, so it's not an issue. Courtesy is. Two of our members were pulled over for speeding within a week while responding to a call. One received a warning, one received a $196.00 ticket (which the fire dept declined to reimburse the FF). I know the RCMP officer who issued the tickets, when I asked him why the difference, he said attitude, and courtesy. Suck it up and pay the damn ticket!

[Ltmdepas3280]

Most cops I know could care less about the badge.....If you ID yourself has a firefighter and they ask to see some proof of that affilation....99% want a Department issued ID and not the tin.......you see anyone can flash a tin but not everyone has the ID that goes with it. I have been stopped and have been given many breaks......the tin won't do it, but the ID will(most times)and if not take your lumps :)

[5pts384]

Yes Sir, No Sir, and No excuse Sir in a reseptful maner won't hurt a thing :D

[sfdtim11]

We do not carry badges, so it's not an issue. Courtesy is. Two of our members were pulled over for speeding within a week while responding to a call. One received a warning, one received a $196.00 ticket (which the fire dept declined to reimburse the FF). I know the RCMP officer who issued the tickets, when I asked him why the difference, he said attitude, and courtesy. Suck it up and pay the damn ticket!


Why should the FD pay the guys ticket. They are not responsible for ignorant driving. It sounds to me like the pd may have gotten complaints about the driving while responding to calls. Maybe this should be a wake up call for your chief and some discipinary action should also be taken. I have only gotten out of a ticket once because I am a ff, and that is because we got paged to a call just as the nice officer approached the car. He siad it sounds like some one needs your help get out of here. I say suck it up and plead not giulty see what happends.

[lutan1]

I also showed him my badge as well upon getting my lic. out of my wallet.

I can't seem to get past here.

Why show your badge? What does it achieve?

[firefighter7160]

-------------

[SHATTEREDDREAMS]

Cops havent been a problem here for us. Just dont speed.


This has been a Shattered Dreams Production

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Cops havent been a problem here for us. Just dont speed.


The cop is not the problem in the subject being discussed in this thread.

[RyanEMVFD]

I can't seem to get past here.

Why show your badge? What does it achieve?

Bet my badge is bigger than your badge....

[ThNozzleman]

Why show your badge? What does it achieve?
Who actually carries a firefighter badge in their wallet???

[RFRDxplorer]

Who actually carries a firefighter badge in their wallet???


You would be suprised Noz :eek:

[hfd838]

Everyone sing with me.... BAD BOYS BAD BOYS WHAT YOU GOING DO WHEN THEY COME FOR YOU BAD BOYS BAD BOYS....lol sorry couldn't resist.

To a small degree I do understand the complaint about cops giving firemen tickets. I got a ticket one day and was pissed for a while, but then again I really don't have the right to be mad, because my sticker was expired by over 12 months...lol then again I am always thankful when they let me off with a warning.

I know for me I would let firemen off, but then again I'm a fireman not a cop. I think I would be to busy writing women tickets. Now there is something that drives me crazy. They get out of them because they have ...well, you know...lol

[hwoods]

Who actually carries a firefighter badge in their wallet???

Someone already said "You'd be suprised". I get the impression a lot of folks carry their badge in their wallet, or for the Ladies, their purse. My wife and I, like a lot of people in this area, have a badge mounted on a Leather Badge Holder, which has a chain to hang around your neck. If I/we are not in FD attire, but need to be at an incident of some kind, and PPE is not needed, then the Badge is properly placed when exiting the vehicle. This is kind of an "ID Required" area in these parts anyway, due to all the Government Facilities. On the other hand, a Badge is worn while on "Official Business", not just for looks. I've been stopped more than once over the years, and never more than a warning. Must be my warm fuzzy attitude........ :eek: :eek:

[falcon]

Although I never had the experience of pulling over a vollie in NYC when I used to be on the NYPD I can relate to you what I was told by friends who were LEO on Long Island and one phrase pretty much sums it up "WITH AGE COMES MATURITY". Every bad experience they ever had was with the young guys who seemed like they had a chip on their shoulder and had an attitude of entitlement.
These are the same guys who blow through intersections and weave in and out of traffic like kamikaze on a one way mission with their lights flashing. It seems like the 22 year olds of today have the maturity level of 15 year olds from years ago. They havent learned what responsibility is and also their own mortality.

[RFRDxplorer]

Someone already said "You'd be suprised". I get the impression a lot of folks carry their badge in their wallet, or for the Ladies, their purse. My wife and I, like a lot of people in this area, have a badge mounted on a Leather Badge Holder, which has a chain to hang around your neck. If I/we are not in FD attire, but need to be at an incident of some kind, and PPE is not needed, then the Badge is properly placed when exiting the vehicle. This is kind of an "ID Required" area in these parts anyway, due to all the Government Facilities. On the other hand, a Badge is worn while on "Official Business", not just for looks. I've been stopped more than once over the years, and never more than a warning. Must be my warm fuzzy attitude........ :eek: :eek:


Yeah, at our dept. they issued photo id's for everyone to carry to identify themselves, but many ff's in my area have badge holders like you mention and badge wallets.

[JHR1985]

bottom line is: You ran a stop sign. Got a ticket.

Go on and get over it.

Or just do what I do and dream of bad things occuring to certain people

[Bones42]

Being as just about anyone can buy a badge, they mean nothing to us other than some decoration on your dress uniform, and that is where they stay. You need to get into a scene, department issued photo id is all that is accepted.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Or just do what I do and dream of bad things occuring to certain people
Another idiotic statement.

[Bradwyatt]

"bottom line is: You ran a stop sign. Got a ticket"


I was stopped...talking...in a rural area...for 30 seconds.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

"bottom line is: You ran a stop sign. Got a ticket"


I was stopped...talking...in a rural area...for 30 seconds.
No problem. Go plead not guilty.

[RES81CUE]

"bottom line is: You ran a stop sign. Got a ticket"


I was stopped...talking...in a rural area...for 30 seconds.

Man your not gonna win this just drop it!!!! It appears it is time for this thread to go away....

[FDNY101TRUCK]

Man your not gonna win this just drop it!!!! It appears it is time for this thread to go away....

Thats why he is going to go to court and plead not guilty and be done with it... I mean the guy doesnt have to 'win' anything here to prove his innocence or guilt...I mean by you saying something like that seems to me that you don't believe the guy which is absurd because he was there and unless someone here is the officer who issued the ticket they I think we should leave all the judging to the judge....and if thats not what you meant by it res81cue then sorry for my on going rambling.

[FDNY101TRUCK]

Man your not gonna win this just drop it!!!! It appears it is time for this thread to go away....

Thats why he is going to go to court and plead not guilty and be done with it... I mean the guy doesnt have to 'win' anything here to prove his innocence or guilt...I mean by you saying something like that seems to me that you don't believe the guy which is absurd because he was there and unless someone here is the officer who issued the ticket they I think we should leave all the judging to the judge....and if thats not what you meant by it res81cue then sorry for my on going rambling.

[RES81CUE]

Thats why he is going to go to court and plead not guilty and be done with it... I mean the guy doesnt have to 'win' anything here to prove his innocence or guilt...I mean by you saying something like that seems to me that you don't believe the guy which is absurd because he was there and unless someone here is the officer who issued the ticket they I think we should leave all the judging to the judge....and if thats not what you meant by it res81cue then sorry for my on going rambling.

It was meant to come across that the guy isnt going to win anything by yapping on the forums......

[DrParasite]

"bottom line is: You ran a stop sign. Got a ticket"
I was stopped...talking...in a rural area...for 30 seconds.your not going to win. it's his word against yours, who do you think the judge is going to believe?

it's like getting pulled over for speeding. the cop can say he pulled you over for doing 75 in a 35 mph zone. you know you were only doing 30, but the cop is going to write down 75 in his log book. you can't verify that he did indeed clock you doing 75, nor do you have any proof that he did indeed get your car. but it's your word against his, and even if he is lying through his teeth, the local judge is going to side with the local cop every time.

unless you have solid proof that you weren't breaking the law, just bite the bullet and pay the fine.

btw, the above examples was not to show that all cops are like that, but rather they have the ability to be that way, they they so chose. I'm sure most cops aren't, they are all fine upstanding officers.

[Dalmatian190]

Speaking of badges...

From my area last week. In CT, possesion of a badge isn't illegal. Offering / Selling to someone who doesn't hold the office indicated on the badge is. How / where he got the information he could sell them, I don't know because the statute is black and white on the matter.

State police seize $30,000 collection of badges in Montville Badges FROM A1
By GREG SMITH
Norwich Bulletin

MONTVILLE -- Randy Walsh had shopped his collection of law enforcement badges around for months -- walking in and out of various police departments, where he figured they would receive the most interest.

The stop he made at Montville state police barracks, on his way to Hartford to get the badges appraised, might be his last.

Police seized them.

"They just can't understand how I was able to accumulate a collection like that," said Walsh, a Waterford resident. "It's not something you see every day."

The collection he had amassed in the past 20 years contains about 300 pieces, ranging from a historic coined silver Connecticut Humane Society badge to a current state police badge. He says they are authentic.

The legal implications of such a collection are obvious, state police Trooper William Tate said. State law, Tate said, is clear that the sale of badges is strictly prohibited unless the buyer holds the position on the badge.

Selling legitimate badges to people who are not in law enforcement raises serious issues, he said.

No charges have been made against Walsh.

Norwich Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro Sr. said department policies differ, but a Norwich police badge is not an easy thing to acquire if you are not an officer. Many of the badges are recycled between officers. Retired officers may get a badge, but it is clearly marked retired, Fusaro said.

Walsh said he started with a small collection of badges from his father and then searched flea markets and auction houses, and later started receiving them as gifts. His son, 12, aspires to be a police officer.

"I got into a money crunch and decided to sell them," Walsh said.

Walsh said he checked with the proper channels, namely the Department of Public Safety Commissioner's office, before attempting to sell the collection. He was told, he claims, he needed only to obtain the name of the buyer and contact police.

A representative from the Commissioner of Public Safety's office could not be reached Friday for comment on the case.

"The first thing I asked was if I can legally sell them," Walsh said. "I've been to 10 different police departments. They all admired it. I thought I took the proper steps."

When he posted the entire cased collection on eBay for $8,500, the response was overwhelming, he said, mostly from people looking for individual badges.

"You wouldn't believe the hits I got -- eBay stopped the sale. They said they don't want them in the wrong hands," Walsh said.

He awaits word from police about the return of his goods, which he estimates could be worth in excess of $30,000.

[FlyingRon]

We were standing buy at the grand opening of the new largest shopping mall in the area. Rather than leave the ambulance parked in the fire lane, we put it in one of the handicapped space. Some idiot put a violation on the box. We took it to court, and the judge told the officer he never wanted to hear about any more parking ticket on ambulances again.

[MEAN15]

I have been stopped for speeding 3 times and received "professional courtesy" all 3 times by the LEO. (None of them happened while responding to an incident.) I never went out of my way to identify myself as a firefighter, but the first time I had a set of turnouts in the back seat, the second time I was wearing a FD t-shirt, and the 3rd time I had a red lightbar on my Jeep. (I was a chief at the time.) In all 3 instances, the LEO asked me about my affiliation, checked my license, registration and insurance, and sent me on my way. (I was a especially surprised at the 3rd one,since it occurred out of my state.)

By the way, my badge is at home in my closet, hanging on my uniform. Photo ID stays in my wallet until it is needed.

[doughesson]

When I was a security guard,someone gave me a badge wallet with the exact same rentacop badge I had on my company uniform.I never carried it with me or used it when I was off the clock.As time went by,I got into a fight with some ex friends and got into trouble because I'd won,using an empty shotgun to trump a claw hammer coming at my head.No shots fired but I was the one hauled off in cuffs.
After being punished for defending myself,I was to get all the confiscated items back except the shotgun used,only to learn that the officious property room clerk decided that the badge wasn't to be returned as I could use it and the expired Tennessee guard license to impersonate a cop.
Just because you won't use your possessions or gifts for evil doesn't stop someone with petty authority from assuming that you will.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

When I was a security guard,someone gave me a badge wallet with the exact same rentacop badge I had on my company uniform.I never carried it with me or used it when I was off the clock.As time went by,I got into a fight with some ex friends and got into trouble because I'd won,using an empty shotgun to trump a claw hammer coming at my head.No shots fired but I was the one hauled off in cuffs.
After being punished for defending myself,I was to get all the confiscated items back except the shotgun used,only to learn that the officious property room clerk decided that the badge wasn't to be returned as I could use it and the expired Tennessee guard license to impersonate a cop.
Just because you won't use your possessions or gifts for evil doesn't stop someone with petty authority from assuming that you will.
Yeah. Sounds like you were quite the victim, here. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[sfdtim11]

Man your not gonna win this just drop it!!!! It appears it is time for this thread to go away....

For once I agree with you. :p

[CaptainGonzo]

We were standing buy at the grand opening of the new largest shopping mall in the area. Rather than leave the ambulance parked in the fire lane, we put it in one of the handicapped space. Some idiot put a violation on the box. We took it to court, and the judge told the officer he never wanted to hear about any more parking ticket on ambulances again.

People who park in handicapped spaces without the proper placard or plates deserve the ticket. You as a public safety professional should have known better and parkeds somewhere else. You had a radio if they needed you.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

People who park in handicapped spaces without the proper placard or plates deserve the ticket. You as a public safety professional should have known better and parkeds somewhere else. You had a radio if they needed you.
I agree. The ticket shouldn't have been written. But the idiot who parked the bus there should have been disciplined.

[Bradwyatt]

I went to court today, and did what I did not want to do.

The guy was suuuuper rude, a kid like 2 years older than me, about 5 foot nothing and walked with his arms out so far he could barely fit through a door. He wouldn't even make eye contact, just kept staring down at the huge stack of tickets he'd written..while he shuffled them like a toughguy. He quickly offered to reduce it to "unsafe start" a 105 dollar fine, which I took eventhough I am more innocent than I've ever been of anything. I just took the safe bet because it was no points, and I would really like to keep the points off of my record.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I went to court today, and did what I did not want to do.

The guy was suuuuper rude, a kid like 2 years older than me, about 5 foot nothing and walked with his arms out so far he could barely fit through a door. He wouldn't even make eye contact, just kept staring down at the huge stack of tickets he'd written..while he shuffled them like a toughguy. He quickly offered to reduce it to "unsafe start" a 105 dollar fine, which I took eventhough I am more innocent than I've ever been of anything. I just took the safe bet because it was no points, and I would really like to keep the points off of my record.
You're a real man of your convictions, huh?

If you were innocent of the charge, you had a constitutional right to have the State prove its case.

Safe bet, my butt. You're guilty. It was your fault, not the cops.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Although I think the firefighter handled all of this in an extremely poor manner, this ticket was pimpy... As evidenced by the PO's offer to "reduce" it. If the FF is guilty, why would the cop reduce it? Why wouldnt he write the correct violation in the first place?

[Bradwyatt]

I'm glad that you can prove my guilt without being there.... Whatever, karma's a bit*# right?

[LawFires]

It is a relatively common practice amongst prosecutors to offer a lesser charge in exchange for a plea of guilty. It saves time and resources. Instead of taking 20-30 minutes for a trial (and getting an extra $50?), we can take a plea and end the thing in 30 seconds.

If you have 400 cases to process in 3 hours, you'd be trying for efficiency too!

It does sound like a COC charge though (contempt of cop).

[nyckftbl]

We were standing buy at the grand opening of the new largest shopping mall in the area. Rather than leave the ambulance parked in the fire lane, we put it in one of the handicapped space. Some idiot put a violation on the box. We took it to court, and the judge told the officer he never wanted to hear about any more parking ticket on ambulances again.

You gotta be kidding me.....you parked on a handicapped spot, and then went to court to fight the ticket? Both you and the cop should be given tickets for ignorance....

[Bones42]

You're a real man of your convictions
a kid like 2 years older than me No George, he is a real KID of his convictions.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I actually do understand and agree with the reduction process. I was trying to prove a point. Law are you a prosecutor ? I am always amazed by the shear volume of cases and the professionalism displayed by the Asst. State's Attorneys here in Cook County. They are great allies when we look for felony approval on arson cases.

[Steamer]

I just took the safe bet because it was no points, and I would really like to keep the points off of my record.
Just out of curiosity, how many points did you have on your record before this charge and for what violations?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Although I think the firefighter handled all of this in an extremely poor manner, this ticket was pimpy... As evidenced by the PO's offer to "reduce" it. If the FF is guilty, why would the cop reduce it? Why wouldnt he write the correct violation in the first place?
Because the criminal justice system is driven by plea bargaining. It happens at every level of the system from local to fed. It is done in the interest of the expediency of justice and the efficieny of the system. Not because abn accused is not guilty. If an accused is ot guilty, he is not guilty. Period.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I'm glad that you can prove my guilt without being there.... Whatever, karma's a bit*# right?
I didn't prove your guilt, YOU DID! YOU PLED GUILTY!

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Just out of curiosity, how many points did you have on your record before this charge and for what violations?
Whoa! Great question!

[Chauffer6]

...this clown...

....greets me at my window like the fine gentleman he is...

...This kid (not much older than me)...

...I hope this guy never needs my help, or any of my friends help....

...The AUDACITY of that guy to pull a BS move like that on top of the BS ticket to someone else in public safety, is in my eyes pathetic...

...being a disrespectful punk...

...these clowns...

...The guy was suuuuper rude, a kid like 2 years older than me, about 5 foot nothing and walked with his arms out so far he could barely fit through a door...
I'm not sure what your deal is, but you need to stop being such a bitter person. Your posts are full of so much anger and resentment, and it really shows as you just keep putting this guy down and try to belittle him. He very well may be a jerk, but you are clearly no better than he is. If you're trying to play the poor victim here, it's not working. You seem to be so certain that he purposely targets firefighters...but maybe he just has no tolerance for arrogant, obnoxious, immature and bitter people, no matter what their occupation? ;)

Am I maybe a bit immature, yep...am I a total hot head, maybe.
Your words, not ours.

Whatever, karma's a bit*# right?
It sure is. Speaking of which, maybe someone should give you a dose of your own medicine and let the cops in question know how you're publicly badmouthing them? You know, the same way you offered to give us this "clown's" name?
Let me know if you'd like his name after my court case, I'm sure he'd like to be treated with the same professional courtesy that he treated me with.
Now THAT would indeed be some Karma!

[Bradwyatt]

I had zero points and violations before this to answer your question....I have zero points now. The violation it pled down to was no points, so I took it just in case the judge would happen to hands down take the officers word over mine. It was a safe bet, eventhough it wasn't fair..I'm done with it, it's over.

[mark440]

It was a safe bet, eventhough it wasn't fair..I'm done with it, it's over.

What was not fair about it? You had your day in court. THAT's FAIR! You chose to plead down. THAT'S FAIR! It was your choice, not the courts.

You're done with it?

BUH BYE!!!!

*Mark

[allkesl]

I have been following this thread for some time now (out of morbid curiosity) and now that Mr Wyatt has had his day in court and failed to pled his case but plead guilty, can we please stop the insanity. Not guilty is not guilty, pleaing a lesser charge is GUILTY. Get over it, borrow the money off your girlfriends dad.

A

[RyanEMVFD]

If it's over than maybe the webteam can lock this thread down? :)

[Dalmatian190]

Awe come on, has there ever been a more lopsided dingbat thread :)

Pleads are common...

The time I passed the State Trooper way, way too fast he gave me the 1st break by making it Speeding @ 74mph...75mph would've been a per se Reckless Driving in CT. It was a mandatory appearance offense (couldn't plead guilty and mailed it in if I tried). Prosecutor pretty much without prompting offered a "Travelling too fast" (that's a law?) which was a lower fine and points in exchange for the rubber stamp guilty plea for the judge. Have a nice day. I went to court fully expecting to simply plea guilty to speeding.

IIRC on the only other time I've gone to court, and this time purposely to fight it, they did try to get me to admit guilt to a lesser offense but I stuck to my guns and got the charge dismissed.